Pope urges all to unite in peace prayers whenever they can

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is asking people to unite in prayers for peace on Tuesday, when he'll meet with leaders of other religions in the town of Assisi.

Francis told the faithful in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that "Now, more than ever, we need peace in this war that's everywhere in the world."

His one-day trip to Assisi, birthplace of the saint for whom the pope chose to be named, includes meeting with Orthodox and Anglican church leaders, as well as with representatives of Islam and of Judaism.

During Tuesday's gathering, Christian participants will pray in St. Francis Basilica, while non-Christians pray elsewhere in Assisi. They all with then assemble in the basilica for the pope's speech and reflection.